Madame Tussauds to complete their collection of presidents

Madame Tussauds currently has sculptures of 16 presidents, from George Washington to Barack Obama, but there are 28 missing.

Now, NBC Washington reports, the museum is underway to complete the 28 "missing" presidents to be housed in a new $2 million gallery.

Each figure takes three to four months to complete, with artists using hundreds of photographs and hours of video footage.  Of course in the case of the older presidents the artists have to rely on paintings and historical accounts.

Mayor Fenty unveiled artist renderings of the new gallery.  “Among the many museums and entertainment options in Washington, Madame Tussauds uniquely combines art, popular culture and entertainment,” said the Mayor. “The presidential gallery now adds the important component of education while celebrating the unique heritage of our city.”

The gallery will open on February 17, 2011.